LPPD Seeks a New 'Officer' To Add To the Force

By MELISSA S. TREACY

May 15, 2014 at 9:30 AM

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A new K-9 unit for the Lower Providence Police Department was approved by supervisors at the last meeting. A dog, like Rico, pictured here, who is a member of the Augusta, Ga. police squad, will be added to help the police combat narcotics in the township.
Credits: Augusta PD

The Lower Providence Police Department will be adding an officer to its ranks very soon. He is pretty short, and a bit more hairy than most of the gentlemen serving our community. That’s because he is going to be a dog.

A new K-9 contract was approved at the last Lower Providence Township Board of Supervisors meeting on May 1. LPPD Police Chief Bud Carroll said that the cost for the “new officer” was covered by grant money earmarked by the county, so there would be no cost to the township for the additional service.

Supervisors, who unanimously approved the authorization to execute the contract, were excited about the new member of the squad.

“I think this is a phenomenal program,” said Supervisor and Vice Chairman Jason Sorgini. “And that we were able to secure funds additionally is just wonderful.”

Carroll said that LPPD Lt. Stan Turtle was responsible for the funding arrangements.

“He did all the background and secured the funding,” said Carroll of his lieutenant.

Carroll said by the year’s end the newly trained team, which will include an officer responsible for the dog and the dog itself, will be in action.

“We want this to happen in the next two months,” he said of obtaining the actual dog. “This is a replacement for our explosives dog, and no township funds were expended. The team will be training by September of 2014, the next available training session, and will be in active duty by December or so.”

Supervisor Patrick Duffy asked which officer would be training with the dog.

“We are still seeking and securing an officer, but we are being very thorough in our search because of the nature of the program,” explained Carroll who added that the dog will live with the family chosen. “This includes a home visit, a meeting with the family. We are doing our due diligence as a number of officers have expressed an interest. It is a large commitment, and we want to investigate judiciously to make our selection.”